Cheryl K. Olson is a California-based public health researcher who specializes in behavioral health issues and consults on tobacco product behaviors via McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors. She spent 15 years on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. In this section we feature a selection of Olson’s contributions to Tobacco Reporter
Illicit Cigarettes Still Increasing in Philippines
Illicit cigarettes can be purchased for three to four pesos per stick less than legal cigarettes.
Philip Morris Voluntarily Delists from Pakistan Stock Exchange
The Pakistan Stock Exchange accepted Philip Morris’ voluntary delisting request.
Six Manufacturers Appeal MDOs
Six manufacturers have filed appeals against FDA MDOs.
Survey: Most Policy Experts Misidentify Nicotine Risks
A multi-market survey shows that most policy experts continue to misidentify the risks of nicotine.
PMI Announces $37M Upgrade to Wilson, N.C. Facility
The Wilson factory currently produces HEETS for IQOS 3.0. The new investment will add a production line for TEREA, the consumables for IQOS ILUMA.
EU Commissioner Accuses Tobacco Industry of Misleading Policymakers
“They mislead policymakers about the risks of these new products, just as they did with light cigarettes in the past.”
Unifreight Africa Expands Fleet Ahead of 2026 Tobacco Season
Unifreight’s operational readiness, including its expanding 4PL division, positions it to handle peak tobacco volumes.
Indonesian Cigarette Industry Shifting Toward Exports
Indonesia ranks as the world’s fourth-largest tobacco exporter with a 6.08% global share, driven largely by sales to ASEAN markets led by the Philippines.
Nearly Half of Gen Z Think UK is Becoming a ‘Nanny State’
“It is a fine line between protecting and controlling the public, and it seems many people feel this line is being crossed.”
NSW Tobacco Licensing Enforcement Kicks In
Penalties for unlicensed sales will increase dramatically, with fines of up to $435,600 for individuals and $580,800 for corporations.
BAT Korea Replacing Butts with Flowers
Since launching in 2023, the project has transformed 50 alleyways into decorated streets lined with 3,000 trees and flowers.
Consumer Group’s Pouch Tour Hits Belgium
The campaign said that Belgium, with one of Western Europe’s highest smoking rates, denies smokers access to safer alternatives shown to be more than 95% less harmful than cigarettes.
Jordan Aiming to Cut One of the World’s Highest Smoking Rates
Jordan, with 71.2% of its male population smoking, faces a stark financial and health paradox.
Cigarette Manufacturers Raise Prices in Macedonia
The increase is not tied to new excise duties or state taxes, but stems from manufacturers’ pricing policies.
Posturing Continues as Indonesia Considers Scrapping Tobacco Excise Hike
Last week, citing the current 57% rate as the legal tax ceiling, the finance minister said cleaning up the illegal tobacco market and protecting jobs was more prudent.
22nd Century Group Backs FDA’s Proposed Reduced Nicotine Standard
It criticized Big Tobacco’s stance as contradictory, arguing that support for a reduced nicotine mandate aligns with pursuing a “smoke-free future.”
Vape Industry Slams Malaysia’s Proposed Ban, Points to Illegal Trade
The real problem lies with unapproved products and criminal misuse, not licensed businesses.
Trinidad & Tobago Considers Harm Reduction in Tobacco Policy
The absence of laws specific to vaping has left products in a legal grey area, creating uncertainty for smokers.
Joya de Nicaragua to Take Over U.S. Distribution from Drew Estate
Joya de Nicaragua, said the change reflects “taking ownership of the path ahead” while maintaining strong ties with Drew Estate.
Indonesia’s Tobacco Excise Policy is Public Health Puzzle
The government employs a complex excise structure designed to reduce consumption, maximize revenue, protect tobacco industry jobs, and combat the illegal cigarette trade.
FDA’s Makary Wants Retailers to Crack Down on Illegal Nicotine Products
To help retailers comply, the FDA is mailing educational packets that include a list of the 39 e-cigarettes and 20 nicotine pouches legally allowed on the market.
PMI Pushes Smoke-Free, Green Agenda in Egypt
PMI has invested $14 billion in smoke-free innovation since 2008, with nearly all of its R&D now dedicated to alternatives to cigarettes.
Health Minister: Tobacco Black Market ‘Thriving’ Across Australia
Organized crime has seized control of the multi-billion-dollar market, with violence, arson, and gang turf wars now common.
Malaysia to Enforce Tobacco Display Ban This Week
“Some smaller operators may face challenges in terms of space and storage, but overall, members are aware that enforcement begins October 1.”
Illicit Cigarettes Grip Majority Share in Pakistan
Industry experts point to weak enforcement of Pakistan’s Track & Trace system, a digital tax-stamp program meant to monitor production and sales.
Ireland to Ban Tobacco and Vape Vending Machine Sales
“We are cutting off an avenue of easy access that has been shown to contribute to early experimentation and long-term addiction.”
Italy Busts Largest Counterfeit Cigarette Factory
The 1,600-square-meter underground facility produced an estimated 2.7 billion cigarettes annually.
Indonesia Working Against Illegal Cigarettes
Data from the Ministry of Industry shows illegal cigarettes rose from 3% of total cigarette volume in 2019 to 6.9% in 2023, with machine-rolled clove cigarettes (SKM) making up the bulk,
EU Tobacco Tax Plan Faces Fierce Pushback
A new “TEDOR” mechanism would redirect 15% of national tobacco excise revenue to the EU budget, raising an estimated €11 billion annually.
Malaysian Think Tank Warns Vape Bans Will Fuel Black Market
The warning follows a survey by the Malaysian Vapers Alliance showing 74% of consumers fear bans will drive illegal sales, while 80% worry about unsafe, unregulated products.
Indonesia Won’t Raise Tobacco Tax
“We decided not to increase excise tax rates for tobacco products next year, but we will clean up the market of illegal tobacco products.”
Arizona Raises Tobacco Age to 21
The law covers cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, vaping products, and hookah. Retailers who sell to under-21 customers face a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Russia to Require Licenses for Tobacco and Vape Sales From 2026
The law, modeled on alcohol industry rules, will mandate licenses for wholesale, retail, and delivery sales, with penalties including license revocation for violations.
NYT Claims Industry Influence Weakened WHO Declaration
Gone are the recommendations for so-called health taxes to discourage smoking and the consumption of alcohol and sugar-sweetened drinks.
FDA Posts New Materials for IQOS Renewal Applications
If approved, PMI would retain authority to market IQOS with MRTP claims; if rejected, it would undermine the company’s “reduced-exposure” positioning in the U.S. market.
Bloomberg: JTI Bets on Discount Cigarettes Amid Global Shift to Smoke-Free Products
The strategy is paying off, according to the article, as JTI’s cigarette volumes rose 2%, revenue 9%, and profit 10%.
Global Survey Finds Strong Support for Smoke-Free Alternatives
“There is strong demand globally for fact-based policies that keep pace with innovation and deliver better outcomes for society.”
Bloomberg Reports on Uncertain Future of FDA Nicotine Rule
The piece details how cigarette makers argued the proposed nicotine standard is technically and legally unachievable.
22nd Century Settles $9.5M Insurance Claim, Eyes 2026 Profitability
With these matters resolved, 22nd Century Group plans to focus on expanding distribution for its VLN and partner VLN products and is targeting profitability in 2026.
U.K. Vape Industry Warns ‘Pride in Place’ Plan Could Backfire
The plan would allow residents to block new vape shops on their streets, which “wrongly equates specialist vape stores with betting shops and other unwanted outlets,”
